JP2005529435A - Authentication of data storage media using predetermined inter-sector relationships - Google Patents

Abstract

A data storage medium (230, 400) and associated methods (500, 520), apparatus (250, 430), and application routines (110, 524) for authenticating the data storage medium as an authenticated copy. The medium (such as a pre-recorded or recordable optical disc) is at least between the physical locations of the first and second addressable data sectors (220) prior to recording data in the sectors (506). To establish a predefined relationship (502). This predetermined relationship exists in the authorized copy of the media (330), but not in the unauthorized copy (332) and is based on the presence or absence of the detected relationship. Allows or denies (532, 534) access to the rest of the media. This predetermined relationship is further used to embed a forensic data payload that serves as a digital fingerprint in the medium.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to the field of data storage media, and in particular, but not limited to, authenticating data storage media as authorized copies by predetermining the location of selected data sectors on the data storage media. Relates to a method and an apparatus.

  An optical disc is a kind of data storage medium used for storing various data encoded in a digital format. Commonly used optical disc formats include compact discs (audio CD, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-R / W, etc.) and digital versatile discs (DVD audio, DVD video, DVD-RAM, DVD-R). DVD-RW, DVD-ROM, etc.). In general, optical discs are portable in nature and can be played in a variety of environments including personal computers, car audio players, home theater systems, portable personal data / entertainment devices, and the like.

  A typical optical disc is composed of a disc having one or more recording layers of a light reflective material embedded in a refractive substrate. Each recording layer is arranged along a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the disk and stores data in the form of pits and lands localized along a spiral track extending continuously. The data conversion head uses a laser or similar light source to output a read reproduction signal based on the different reflectivities of the pit and land areas. The decoding circuit decodes the user data for output by a suitable playback device.

  During read and playback, the optical disc typically supplies main channel (user) data, control (subcode) channel data, and error detection / correction (EDC) channel data. The main channel data includes desired user data stored on a disk (audio, video, computer software, etc.) in units of fixed-size user data blocks (sectors). The control channel data includes sector header information, timing information, and other types of control information to facilitate the reproduction of main channel data. The EDC channel data indicates a range in which an EDC method (parity bit, Reed-Solomon error correction code, etc.) is used to correct an error detected in the main channel data and the control channel data.

  The user data portion of the optical disk can be easily read out using various reading devices and stored in other storage media such as a computer hard disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and a recordable optical disk. The optical disk recording device accepts this user data portion and adds additional address codes, synchronization data, error detection and correction codes, modulation data, etc. using a built-in individually programmed encoder circuit. This process is sometimes called digital extraction or ripping.

  Another increasingly popular methodology for copying existing discs is to use a method called analog duplication. In this case, the original (original) disk is continuously read from the lead-in to the lead-out to generate a read reproduction signal, and this read reproduction signal is used to generate the same pit / land array on the second duplicate disk. Record directly in sequence. The duplicate disc is nominally a copy of each bit of the original disc as it is, and contains all errors and copy protection bits that appear on the original disc.

  It is easily implemented in the industry because there is still global interest in the types of data available on optical discs and other media, and unauthorized copying can be made relatively easily. There is still a need for improved media authentication schemes that are difficult to detect and difficult to break. It is this improvement that the present invention is directed to.

  The present invention is generally directed to a method and apparatus for authenticating a data storage medium as an authorized copy. The data storage medium may be a recorded medium or a recordable medium, and is preferably an optical disk (CD, CD-R, CD-R / W, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-R / W, etc.).

  According to one aspect, the method includes at least between the physical locations of at least the first and second addressable sectors prior to recording data in the first and second addressable sectors. Formatting the data storage medium such that a predefined relationship is established. This predefined relationship is established by generating a profile that indicates the exact number of channel bits recorded on each track and controlling the write operation to place these sectors at the desired location.

  The positions of these at least first and second sectors are present in the unauthorized copy formed from the authorized copy, although a predetermined relationship exists in the authorized copy of the data storage medium. Is selected so that it does not appear. During a read / play operation, access may be granted (or denied) in relation to the presence or absence of this predetermined relationship. This predetermined relationship can further be used to embed a forensic data payload that serves as a digital fingerprint on the media that can be retrieved upon inspection of authorized copies.

  According to another aspect, a system is provided for formatting a data storage medium corresponding to the method described above. The system preferably includes a motor configured to rotate the data storage medium in response to the motor speed rotation signal, a write assembly that selectively writes data to the data storage medium in response to the write signal, A control circuit that generates a motor speed rotation signal and a write signal in association with a pre-generated profile that establishes a predetermined relationship between at least selected sectors of data on the data storage medium prior to writing; Prepare.

  Preferably, the system includes a master clock that generates a master clock signal at a first frequency and a clock that outputs a write clock signal in response to the master clock signal used to establish the timing of transitions in the write signal. A frequency divider, and a programmable generator circuit that outputs a motor speed rotation signal in response to these master clock signals and a pre-generated profile. The look-up table is preferably a pre-generated profile for adjusting the rotational speed of the motor so that an exact predetermined number of channel bits are written to this data storage medium during each rotation of the data storage medium. The value associated with is output to the programmable generator circuit.

  According to another aspect, there is provided a data storage medium corresponding to the foregoing description, having a plurality of addressable data sectors formed on a plurality of tracks. These sectors are located at pre-selected physical locations according to a profile generated prior to sector recording, which profile is at least selected sectors to identify this data storage medium as an authorized copy. Establish a predetermined relationship between the physical locations of

  In some preferred embodiments, the data storage medium is a pre-recorded medium formed as a duplicate copy from the master production process. In another preferred embodiment, the data storage medium is a recordable medium having pre-formed groove information recorded in association with the profile, and the sector is associated with the pre-formed groove information when data is subsequently written to the medium. Be placed.

  According to yet another aspect, an application routine of a type that is executed in a processor environment to read data from a data storage medium is provided. The data storage medium has a desired physical location of at least a first selected sector and a second selected sector of the plurality of sectors on the medium prior to recording data on the medium to locate the sector. The write signal is modulated to be preselected to establish a predetermined relationship between and to position the sector on the data storage medium at these predetermined desired physical locations. As described above, it is formatted as described above.

  The application routine is configured to authenticate the medium by measuring access parameters associated with at least continuous access to the first and second sectors. This application routine allows access to the remaining sectors on the medium when the measured access parameters indicate that a predetermined relationship exists on the medium, or the predetermined relationship is on the medium. Deny access to the remaining sectors on the medium.

  In some preferred embodiments, the access parameters include the speed of the motor that is used to rotate the media as the sectors are read, and in other preferred embodiments, the access parameters are the various sectors. Including the access time elapsed to read. More preferably, the application routine decodes forensic data embedded according to a predetermined relationship.

  These and various other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  As embodied herein, the present invention is generally directed to a data storage medium and related methods, apparatus, and application routines for authenticating a data storage medium as an authorized copy. Yes.

  As used herein, “authentication” means that the media came from an authorized source (ie, an “original” copy) or was created using an unauthorized process (ie, “ It is understood that it generally describes a method that can be determined as a “pirated copy”. As will be explained below, the scheme generally involves giving the original a specific feature, so that when the pirated copy is made from the original, this particular feature does not appear in the pirated copy.

  “Copy protection” is a specific type of media authentication that prevents pirated copies from operating correctly in a read and playback system.

  Various embodiments discussed below include compact discs (CD, CD-R, CD-R / W, etc.), digital versatile discs (DVD, DVD-R, DVD-R / W, etc.), recorded It is directed to certain types of pre-recorded (recorded) optical discs and recordable optical discs, such as hybrid discs having both portions and recordable portions. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but rather, other types of optical discs and other types of magnetic and magneto-optical recording discs, tapes, arrays, etc., whether present or developed in the future. It is understood to encompass data storage media.

(Overview)
FIG. 1 is a simplified functional block diagram of an optical disc reading / reproducing system 100. The optical disk 102 is rotated by a disk motor 104. The optical disk pickup assembly includes a data conversion head assembly 106 supported by a linear actuator assembly (linear driver assembly) 108. Generally, since data is stored on an optical disc such as 102 at a constant linear velocity (CLV), the disc rotational speed changes as the head assembly 106 moves across the radius of the disc 102.

  Read and playback processor circuit 110 receives the modulated read and playback signal from head assembly 106, performs appropriate signal processing and conditioning, and provides an output signal to output device 112. The nature and characteristics of the output device 112 generally depend on the type of data stored on the optical disc 102. For example, if the optical disk stores audio data, the output device 112 may include a car stereo system or a home stereo system, and the optical disk stores computer data (including MP3 audio files). For example, the output device 112 may include a personal computer (PC), and if the optical disk stores video data, the output device 112 may include a television or home theater system.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of the hardware and / or software / firmware elements of the read / replay processor circuit 110 of FIG. The read / reproduced signal obtained from the disk 102 is supplied to a bit detection circuit 114 that performs bit detection and other preliminary processing. Bit detection circuit 114 interfaces with servo control circuit 116 that provides control signals to motor 104, head assembly 106, and actuator assembly 108.

  The output from the bit detection circuit 114 is fed to a sync detection and timing circuit 118 that supplies timing signals to the various remaining blocks of the circuit. A demodulation circuit 120 performs necessary demodulation of the read / reproduced signal to restore the original digital bit string. For reference, the demodulator circuit 120 received 14 or 16 because 8/14 modulation is typically used for CDs and 8/16 modulation is typically used for DVDs. Each set of channel bits is converted to the original 8-bit digital data.

  The restored data is supplied to the buffer 122. The control channel decoder 124 decodes the control channel (header, timing, etc.) portion of the recovered data and provides the necessary input to the user display / control block 126. The error correction code / error detection code (ECC / EDC) module 128 performs error detection / error correction operations (using the memory 130), outputs the corrected data to the post-processing unit 132, and the post-processing unit 132. Performs the final processing of the data and outputs the main channel data to the output device 112 (FIG. 1).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating exemplary formatting of data on a compact disc (CD). ICE908 (“Red Book” —CD audio), ISO / IEC10149 (“Yellow Book” —CD-ROM), ISO / IEC11172 / 1/2/3 (“Orange Book” —CD-R), etc. were established. A number of different CD formats are used in the industry according to the standard. Accordingly, it is understood that FIG. 3 is a generalized format representation and not exhaustive.

  The basic unit of data storage on a CD is called a frame (indicated by the number 200). Each frame 200 comprises 588 channel bits and generally includes a leading sync pattern field 202, a subcode field 204, user data fields 206 and 208, and parity (error correction) fields 210 and 212.

  Each continuous sequence of 98 frames constitutes one upper sector. Each sector has two main components: a subcode block (98 bytes) and a user data block (2352 bytes). The 98-byte subcode in each sector provides the control channel (FIG. 2) lead-in / lead-out data, header and timing data. The 2352 byte user data block stores user data returned in the main channel and has a format that depends on the type of data stored on the CD (eg, audio, CD-ROM, etc.).

  Other types of optical disks (and other media) have their associated format, but generally all place data in addressable sectors. For example, a DVD typically utilizes a 2064 byte sector size. Each set of 16 consecutive data sectors is interleaved into an error correction code (ECC) block with an additional parity byte appended. The ECC block is divided into 16 physical sectors and sequentially recorded on the medium.

  FIG. 4 schematically illustrates how sectors 220 are arranged on multiple circular tracks on a recording medium in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tracks may be separate concentric circles and may be formed from a continuous spiral that moves continuously outward during each disk rotation. In FIG. 4, the tracks are indicated by numerals 222, 224, 226 and 228 and are identified incrementally as tracks 0, n, n + 1, n + 2, respectively.

  At least selected sectors of sectors 220 are physically located in a predetermined two-dimensional relationship (ie, along and across tracks, respectively). For example, if sector W on track 0 is used as a reference point, sector X on track n + 1 is at the same angular position as sector W (as indicated by dashed line 230) and is a sector of n + 1 tracks in the radial direction. I am away from W. Sector Y on track n + 1 is shown to be angularly offset from sector W by exactly 4 sectors and is radially away from sector W by n + 1 tracks. Sector Z on track n is shown as being angularly offset from sector W by a selected number of channel bits (approximately 4.5 sectors) and is radiused from sector W by n tracks. Away in the direction.

The inter-sector relationship is pre-determined prior to recording and is selected to exist in the permitted copy but not in the unauthorized (pirated) copy. That is, unauthorized copies will tend to have different sector relationships than the original.
A preferred mode for predetermining the inter-sector relationship with respect to a pre-recorded medium and a recordable medium will be described below in order.

(Pre-recorded media)
FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a single-layer recorded optical disc 230 (in this case, a CD). CD 230 includes a substrate 232 formed of polycarbonate having an outer diameter of nominally 120 millimeters (mm, 10 ⁻³ meters). The embedded recording layer 234 includes a reflective material layer having a series of pits 236 and lands 238. The protective support layer 240 is preferably formed of a resin. Since the reflectance of the land 238 and the reflectance of the pit 236 are different, a read / reproduce signal used for reading / reproducing data recorded on the CD 230 can be generated.

  CD 230 preferably generates a master disk having the desired pit / land array, forms multiple stampers from the master disk, and then forms a set of duplicate disks from the stamper using injection molding or similar techniques. Formed by. CDs such as 230 are typically formed in mass replication facilities where a large number of copies are formed simultaneously.

  FIG. 6 shows a master production system 250 that is used to produce a master disk from which the CD 230 of FIG. The glass master 252 comprises a spin-coated layer of photoresist and is rotated by a motor 254.

  A control block 256 having an associated timing circuit 258 performs superordinate control of the master fabrication process. Signal processing block 260 receives input data from source 262, formats the input data into the desired format, and generates the necessary subcodes and error detection and correction (EDC) codes. The signal processing block 260 provides a bitstream to an EFM (Extended Frequency Modulation) encoder 264 that generates an EFM signal representing the desired pit / land sequence on the glass master 252.

  The EFM signal is used to adjust the writing laser 266 to selectively expose the photoresist layer. The motor control circuit 268 controls both the rotational speed of the glass master 252 and the actuator 270 used to advance the writing laser 266 in the radial direction of the glass master.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of relevant portions of the control block 256 of FIG. The master clock 272 generates a master clock signal having a predetermined frequency on the path 274. The master clock signal is supplied to the recording clock divider block 276, which divides the master clock frequency to generate a write clock at the desired write frequency for the EFM signal. The write clock is supplied to signal processing block 260 and EFM encoder 264 via path 278.

  In one preferred approach, the master production system 250 of FIG. 6 may write data at a constant frequency and adjust the rotational speed of the glass master 252 to achieve constant linear velocity (CLV) recording. In this way, the write clock is supplied at a single frequency during the entire master production operation. However, in an alternative embodiment, the recording clock divider 276 of FIG. 7 is configured to adjust the frequency of the writing clock as the writing laser 266 moves to different positions on the glass master 252, so that the writing clock and motor speed. Are adjusted to create a predetermined inter-sector relationship.

  The master clock signal is further provided to a programmable clock generator 280 that operates to output a motor speed drive signal on path 282. The motor control block 268 adjusts the rotational speed of the motor 254 in relation to the frequency of the motor speed drive signal. The motor speed drive signal is a multiple of the actual motor speed, such as 250 times. Thus, for example, if a motor rotation speed of 10 Hz (rotations / second) is desired, the motor drive speed signal has a frequency of 10 × 250 = 2500 Hz.

  The motor speed drive signal is supplied to a rotary divider block 284 that divides the motor speed drive signal by a motor speed multiple (eg, 250) and once for each revolution of the motor 284, An index pulse is generated. The index pulse is supplied to the counter 288 via the path 286, and the counter outputs the binary encoded value of each current rotation to the reference table 292 via the path 290. The counter 288 thus counts tracks (rotations) and identifies when each new track begins.

  Look-up table 292 preferably includes the desired motor rotation values for all tracks on glass master 252. When each successive track starts, the lookup table 292 outputs a binary encoded value indicating the desired frequency of the motor speed drive signal for that track on the path 294. The programmable clock generator 280 thus adjusts the output frequency of the motor speed drive signal in a programmable manner during each rotation of the glass master 252 in relation to the lookup table 292.

  FIG. 7A shows another alternative embodiment of the relevant portion of the control circuit 256 of FIG. Similar reference numerals are used for similar components shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A.

  In the circuit of FIG. 7A, the master clock oscillator 272 supplies a master clock signal to the programmable clock generator 280, which generates a write clock signal on the path 282 in this embodiment. Another master oscillator (not shown) incorporated in the motor control circuit 268 (FIG. 6) is used to rotate the motor 254 with a substantially constant CLV in a conventional manner.

  A single revolution signal is provided on path 296 from motor control circuit 268 and includes an index signal (similar to the signal on path 286 in FIG. 7) that is sensed from each rotation of the motor. This one rotation one time signal is applied to a pre-programmed look-up table 292 with an appropriate value indicating the desired write clock frequency for each track (rotation) of the medium during recording.

  Lookup table 292 outputs an appropriate value to programmable clock generator 280 during each motor rotation so that the desired write clock frequency is provided on path 282.

  In both circuits of FIGS. 7 and 7A, the total number of channel bits recorded on a track for a given track (rotation) on the glass master is a function of the write clock, track rotation length, and motor speed. By changing the value of the lookup table 292, the exact number of channel bits on each track can be specified in advance. As a result, while the disk is later rotated at a constant linear velocity (CLV), the read / reproduced data transfer rate (T) selectively changes depending on the position (radius). An exemplary data rate profile generated by the circuits of FIGS. 6, 7, and 7A is shown in FIG.

  The data rate profile of FIG. 8 indicated by numeral 300 generally indicates the frequency at which data is written to the master disk in accordance with the preferred embodiment. Profile 300 is plotted against an x-axis 302 showing the disk position (ID to OD) and a y-axis 304 showing the frequency (for a constant linear velocity of the disk).

  In the example of FIG. 8, data is written to the non-adjacent data areas 306, 308 at nominal data rates, and the data in these areas has a physical symbol length that nominally represents a conventional CLV record. You will understand. However, speed variation zones with data written at somewhat different data rates are shown at 310 and 312 (zone 310 data represents an increased data rate and zone 312 data represents a reduced data rate) Represents speed).

  Zone 310 data tends to have shorter pits and lands compared to nominal zones 306, 308, and zone 312 data tends to have longer pits and lands than zones 306, 308. There is. Of course, the profile of FIG. 8 is exemplary in nature and any number of other types of profiles can be used as desired. In some embodiments, the change in data rate exemplified by zones 310, 312 is preferably selected so as not to cause a loss of frequency lock during continuous read playback, while in other embodiments the data transfer rate The change in speed can be selected to prevent continuous read and playback. In other embodiments, the change in data transfer rate is continuous across the radius of the disk.

  FIG. 9 is a graph of the disk rotation speed profile 320 required to maintain a constant data transfer rate during CLV read playback of the disk of FIG. Profile 320 is plotted against position (radius) x-axis 322 and disk rotational speed y-axis 324. A read and playback system (eg, 100 in FIG. 1) attempts to accelerate and decelerate the media according to profile 320 to maintain a constant read and playback data transfer rate.

  FIG. 10 schematically represents the resulting placement of several sectors at predetermined locations on the authenticated medium 330. Although only two sectors (A, B) are shown in FIG. 10, it is understood that any number of pre-arranged sectors can be used for self-authentication. The pre-arranged sector can be further arranged to embed a forensic data payload (digital fingerprint) that identifies a particular record, recording system, customer, world region, recording period, etc.

  Regardless of whether the authenticated medium 330 is copied using a bit-to-bit record that is read-in, read-out, and generated so that the EFM cuts the same pattern on the replication master, Or the resulting authorization regardless of whether the authenticated media 330 has been copied using a master disk reconstruction technique so that user data is retrieved and a new subcode is generated for the master disk. Non-replicated copies (as shown at 332 in FIG. 11) generally have a different sector relationship than the original. Therefore, the unauthorized copy 332 does not show the profiles shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the inter-sector relationship shown in FIG. 10, so that the unauthorized copy can be identified and rejected.

  If the velocity variation zone (FIG. 8) is sufficient to prevent continuous lead-in / lead-out playback as described above, the authenticated media 330 is typically replicated using continuous lead-in / lead-out reading. It is impossible to do.

  Even when the contents of the permitted medium 330 are copied to a recordable medium (CD-R, CD-R / W, DVD-R, DVD-R / W, etc.), the sector relationships on the recordable medium are different. And results in useless record copies. The reason is explained in the following section.

(Recordable media)
Recordable media (CD-R, CD-R / W, DVD-R, DVD-R / W, hybrid CD, DVD, etc.) are intended for consumers to create their own media that can be played on standard media players. It is becoming increasingly popular as a means. Commercial application providers are also increasingly using recordable media instead of standard duplicate media to bring applications to the market. The use of pre-recorded media saves time required for master production and use of the replication process, which can be advantageous for shortening production time.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a recordable CD (CD-R) 400. CD-R is a recordable medium that, once recorded, operates nominally in the same manner as CD 230 in FIG. 5 during playback. CD-R 400 generally includes a translucent substrate 402, a recording layer 404 (preferably comprising a nominally translucent dye layer), a reflective layer 406 (preferably comprising a gold alloy or similar metal), a protective layer A support layer 408.

  During the recording operation, the write light beam selectively strikes the recording layer 404 causing a local change in the reflectivity of the layer as indicated by stripes 410. The stripe 410 has a different reflectance as compared to the unexposed portion of the recording layer as indicated at 412. The stripe 410 portion and the unexposed portion 412 function as the pit 236 and the land 238 in FIG.

  The cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 shows the CD-R 400 along a particular track. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of CD-R 120 across several tracks, perpendicular to FIG. As before, the layers of FIG. 13 include a substrate 402, a recording layer 404, a reflective layer 406, and a protective support layer 408. The track is pre-defined using a pre-formed groove 420, preferably composed of a continuous spiral extending from the inner diameter (ID) of the disc to the outer diameter (OD).

  As shown (exaggerated) in FIG. 14, the pre-formed grooves 420 are not completely concentric and are oscillating at a nominal frequency of 22.05 kilohertz (kHz). The nominal carrier frequency provides motor speed control information to the CD writer system. Furthermore, this swaying motion is frequency modulated to provide sector address information commonly referred to as ATIP (Preformed Groove Absolute Time).

  ATIP information is arranged in a number of consecutive frames, and is a conventional CD such as elapsed time (in minutes, seconds, frames), start / end times for lead-in / lead-out, and error correction bytes. Gives information similar to the information given by the Q channel.

  ATIP information also typically includes disc type and manufacturer information, recommended power settings during recording, maximum recording speed, and the like. The physical sectors of data that are subsequently written to the disk are nominally aligned with the ATIP sectors, ie, the ATIP information serves to define where the actual data sectors are located on the disk later.

  Thus, when a pre-recorded CD is copied to a recordable CD-R, the various sectors of the original CD are advantageously on the recordable CD-R according to the format instructions of the recordable CD-R to which it is copied. It is clear that the relationship between the various sectors changes because of the forced placement in position. Therefore, if a pre-recorded application disc is copied to a CD-R, if the application requires that a predetermined position exists on the disc as described above, the read / reproduce system 100 Does not work properly.

  Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the CD-R (and other recordable media) is modified to provide a specially configured recordable medium in which selected sectors are located at predetermined locations. Provided ATIP information. When a recording operation is performed later, an original CD-R (exactly the same as the recorded master CD 230 described above) having various sectors in a predetermined area can be obtained. If you try to copy the contents of the original CD-R to another blank CD-R, the second CD will create a sector at a different location, so identify and reject the second CD-R as an unauthorized copy can do.

  In general, copy protection of CD-Rs (and other recordable media) has proven to be more difficult compared to CDs that have traditionally been made as masters and replicas. One reason is that modifying the data encoder / modulation circuit in CD-R recorder production in the same way as the data encoder / modulation circuit used in a conventional CD master production system is extremely technically financial. This is because the burden is often heavy. This is because the coding / modulation function is typically mounted on an LSI integrated circuit that cannot be corrected in the field.

  Another reason is that the recording speed at which data is written to the CD-R is predetermined by the pre-formed grooves with wobbling motion on the blank medium. The recorder locks to the nominal frequency of the swing motion to accurately set the write channel bit rate to an exact multiple of the nominal frequency of the swing motion. The recording speed cannot be changed on the recorded CD-R disk because the nominal frequency of the pre-formed groove with wobbling is raised on the blank medium, so the two-dimensional relationship between the physical positions of the sectors Cannot be changed.

  Thus, FIG. 15 shows a blank CD-R master production system 430 configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide self-authenticating features to a replicated blank CD-R disc. System 430 is generally similar to CD master production system 250 of FIG. In the system 430, the characteristics of the pre-formed groove 420 with swaying motion can be selectively changed to predetermine a two-dimensional relationship formed by later writing data on the disc.

  System 430 is considered to represent an apparatus used by a CD-R manufacturing facility to master a group of blank CD-R discs. System 430 is preferably embodied in a CD-R laser beam recorder (LBR) having a PC or workstation front end to produce a CD-R master disk 432.

  The control block 434 provides overall control of the system 430 and includes a timing circuit 436 similar to that previously discussed in FIGS. 7 and 7A. Signal processing block 438 organizes ATIP information for modulation by ATIP encoder block 440. The ATIP encoder block 440 provides an ATIP signal to a write assembly 442 that includes a write laser 444 with associated optics and an actuator 446 configured to advance the write laser over the radius of the disk 432.

  The motor 448 rotates the disk 432 at a desired rotation speed. Motor 448 and write assembly 442 receive control inputs from motor block 450 that communicates with host control block 434.

  Master fabrication of pre-formed grooves by the system 430 generally modulates the writing laser 444 as when writing data to a blank CD-R or during glass master master fabrication during a conventional CD master fabrication process ( Note that it is not implemented by turning on / off). Instead, the laser 444 is continuously kept on and in a low power state, and the position of the light beam is oscillated accurately when the disk 432 rotates.

  As a result, a thin film of photoresist on the disk 432 is selectively exposed corresponding to the desired position and shape of the pre-formed groove 420. Once the photoresist is exposed, conventional processing steps (ie, cleaning, electroplating, stamper formation, injection molding, etc.) are performed to produce a group of replicated blank CD-Rs as shown in FIGS. A disk is formed.

  Thereafter, the copied blank CD-R disc is recorded using a CD-R writer system 460 as shown in FIG. The CD-R writer system 460 detects and decodes ATIP information from the pre-formed groove 420 and uses this information to control the writing of application data to the recorded CD-R disc. Since CD-R writer system 460 preferably takes a substantially conventional form, various details and subsystems have been omitted for ease of explanation. Note that CD-R writer systems such as 460 are often standard components of the current generation of commercially available personal computers (PCs).

  The system 460 includes a control block 462 that performs higher-level control of the system. Signal processing block 466 receives input data from source 468, formats the input data into the desired format, and generates the necessary subcodes and error detection and correction (EDC) codes. The signal processing block 466 provides a bitstream to an EFM (Extended Frequency Modulation) encoder 470, which generates an EFM signal representing the desired pit / land sequence on the recorded CD-R disc 400.

  The writer system 460 further includes a writing assembly 472 that includes a tracking (T) laser assembly 474, a writing (W) laser assembly 476, and an actuator 478. The tracking laser assembly 474 emits a light beam having a depth of focus and width selected to detect the pre-formed groove 420, while the writing laser assembly 476 is modulated by the EFM signal from the encoder 470. Write application data to disk. The read playback signal from tracking laser assembly 474 is provided to ATIP detection decoding block 480.

  Block 480 decodes the timing information from the nominal frequency of the swing motion to allow motor control block 482 to provide the necessary control signals to motor 484 to rotate disk 400 at the appropriate speed, and control block 482 allows the write laser assembly 476 to be correctly positioned to nominally follow the pre-formed groove 136.

  Block 430 further decodes the frequency modulated control information in the pre-formed groove 420 to provide address and header information. This overlays the Nth sector of application data on the Nth ATIP sector (or a selected offset between them), and the (N + 1) th sector of application data is the N + 1th ATIP sector. Overlay on top, and so on.

  As mentioned above, all of the CD-Rs provided by application providers from similarly configured blank CD-Rs have the same two-dimensional relationship between the various sectors (as shown in FIG. 4). . In a non-permitted exact bit-to-bit duplicate copy of a CD-R written on a standard CD-R without specially encoded ATIP information, the relationship between sectors will be different. Thus, the duplicate disk fails the authentication process and does not work properly with the application system.

  Even if efforts are made to determine the actual relationships between the various authentication sectors, such relationships cannot be incorporated using blank CD-R media with different ATIP information. Therefore, the CD-R medium is self-authenticating and effective copy protection is achieved.

  Other types of disk authentication steps during disk initialization are easily envisioned. For example, the disk authentication step can include a sequence of detecting elapsed time (or motor speed) while accessing a number of different data sectors in different areas of the disk. Only disks with specially configured ATIP information will exhibit such a profile and unauthorized CD-Rs will be rejected.

  In some embodiments, various modifications of ATIP information can be used to provide the disc with scientific operation tracking information. This is useful for various applications including audio CDs. Typically, an audio CD player does not utilize an application that is launched to verify the authenticity of the disc before allowing access. Rather, the CD player simply starts playing the disc from lead-in to lead-out. Nevertheless, hidden code placement with respect to authenticity of the disk can be achieved using specially configured ATIP information, and such code does not appear on unauthorized duplicate disks.

  It will be recalled that the change in data rate is preferably selected so that the read / playback capability of the CD-R writer system 460 does not lose frequency lock (see, for example, the fluctuation zones 310, 312 in FIG. 8). The reason is simple. Since it is the pre-formed groove 420 information that ensures accurate positioning of the writing laser assembly 476, the system 460 should accurately follow the pre-formed groove 420 to accurately write application data to the CD-R 400. That's it.

  However, the ATIP information in the pre-formed groove can be modified as desired so that a highly accurate system can easily follow the ATIP information and accurately supply data to the recorded CD-R, but later on the reader It is conceivable that the frequency lock is lost due to the resulting data variation zones 310, 312 when playing back recorded discs with continuous read-out from lead-in to lead-out in the system. Advantageously, this can prevent the application of analog replication techniques.

  In fact, a specially configured blank CD-R from the manufacturing facility has a confidential layout specified by the application provider, and the same specially configured blank CD-R is commercially available to third parties. It is possible to make it unavailable. Alternatively, or in addition, the manufacturing facility can make many different types of CD-R available to everyone, with each different type of CD-R having its own ATIP modification scheme. .

  Thus, a given computer ROM or game application CD-R (using the authentication sequence described above) is generally successfully copied only by using the same type of CD-R. Although it is not possible to completely prevent unauthorized copying of discs, in order to make an original copy, it is necessary to first identify the specific “model” of the CD-R used and then to procure the same type of model. This requires a lot of effort, and at least it will discourage the efforts of those who try to replicate with the best intentions.

  Having finished the description of various preferred embodiments for CD-R discs, the DVD-R disc will now be briefly described. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, DVD-R discs are similarly provided with pre-formed grooves, but utilize two separate signals. The first continuous sinusoidal fluctuation signal is used to raise a sinusoidal waveform that can be used for timing control. A second simultaneously applied modulated write signal provides header and other control information.

  In order to provide a DVD-R with specially configured pre-formed groove information, both signals can be easily modified during master production as described above. Similar steps can be readily taken for various other types of recordable media including CD-WO, CD-R / W, DVD-R / W, etc. as described above.

  17 and 18 are provided to summarize the above description of pre-recorded and recordable media. FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of the media formatting routine 500.

  At step 502, inter-sector relationships are predetermined for various sectors on the medium. Preferably, this is done as described above by determining the number of bits that appear in each track, with the result that the relationship between the physical positions of at least the first sector and the second sector is predetermined. If desired, the forensic data payload can be further encoded as described above as a second set of data to be written to the medium according to a predetermined relationship.

  For example, for a pre-selected sequence of a subset of sectors written to the medium, the “short” access time between sectors can be taken as a logical one and the “long” access time between sectors can be taken as a logical zero. Alternatively, referring again to FIG. 9, the motor speed “lower” than the standard for the selected sector is assigned a logic 0 and the motor speed “higher” than the standard for the selected sector is assigned a logic 1 You can also. In this way, a digital sequence for any number of forensic parameters such as master production source, date, location, device, etc. can be embedded as a digital fingerprint. Without valid forensic information, this is a definitive proof that the media was generated using an unauthorized process, so forensic information can be used when examining a particular set of media. Can be used.

  Continuing with the flow of FIG. 17, at step 504, the appropriate reference table value is determined for the reference table 292 (FIGS. 7, 7A) to write a predetermined number of channel bits to each track. Recorded on media using lookup table values. Step 506 preferably includes writing the encoded data to the glass master via the EFM signal for a pre-recorded disc (FIG. 6) and is selectively modified for a recordable disc (FIG. 15). Writing the ATIP data to the glass master.

  The remaining process steps (stamp generation, replica formation, etc.) are performed at step 508 to create at least one pre-recorded or recordable medium having the desired format. When the medium is recordable, step 508 is considered to further include an additional write operation (FIG. 16) to write data to the location specified by the ATIP information. Thereafter, the routine ends at step 510.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a medium authentication routine 520 for verifying copy protection for a medium created according to FIG. Routine 520 may be considered to represent programming that is stored and executed by read playback processor 110 of FIG.

  The media formatted in step 522 is loaded into the reader bay (FIG. 1) and an application routine is invoked in step 524. The application routine generates a seek to the first selected sector on the medium at step 526, and preferably measures these parameters while measuring parameters associated with a number of remaining sectors on the medium at step 528. Perform a seek to The parameter indicates that the various sectors are arranged in the correct inter-sector dimensional relationship and is measured when the various sectors are being read, the elapsed access time required to reach the various sectors. Motor speed and the like.

  As shown in decision step 530, if the measured access time falls within a pre-defined window and the media is shown to be an authorized copy, the routine proceeds to step 532 where the application routine Allow further access to the media. On the other hand, if the access time is not correct, it is determined in step 534 that the medium is an unauthorized copy and access is denied. The routine then ends at step 536.

  It is now clear that the present invention (as embodied herein and claimed above) provides several important advantages over the prior art. With the ability to predetermine the position that the sector will eventually take on a pre-recorded disc, the inter-sector relationship is generated by inspecting the disc obtained while performing normal processing after writing data There is no need to determine what has been done. Although this latter approach can be used for disk authentication purposes, it is noted that it is necessary to maintain and transfer another data set (disk snapshot) with the disk. Predetermining these relationships eliminates this requirement.

  Also, because the glass master generation process tends to be limited by the number of stampers that can be formed from a single master, the above process limits the authentication capability to duplicate disks made by the same master. . In contrast, predetermining the exact location and relationship of the sectors in accordance with the present disclosure allows for the generation of any number of different master disks, with duplicate disks having the same predetermined relationship from all master disks. Created.

  Another advantage with respect to embodiments relating to pre-recorded media is that the contents of the media can vary even when pirated onto any number of different types / sources of recordable media (CD-R, DVD-R, etc.). The pre-selection of inter-sector relationships can be performed to ensure that the sectors have significantly different positions.

  Yet another advantage is the ability to generate recordable media (CD-R, DVD-R, etc.) that are self-authenticating. The formation of “specially configured” recordable media that creates a sector-to-sector relationship different from that obtained using conventional recordable media significantly increases the ability of commercial application providers to provide copy protection media. Improve. Commercial providers of applications on optical discs, for example, attach an extra “blank” recordable disc that is specially configured to position the sector in the correct location for user backup and transfer the content to other regular discs. It can be explained that copying would result in a non-functioning backup disk.

  For the purposes of the appended claims, the term “pre-recorded” means that the recorded content is recorded by, for example, the internal recording layer 234 of FIG. 5 before being provided to the end user / application provider. It is understood that it refers to a type of media (such as a CD, DVD, etc.) having an architecture that is permanently established within. The term “recordable” refers to any type of media (CD-R, CD-R / W, DVD-R, DVD-R / W, hybrid) onto which data can be subsequently written by the end user / application provider. Disk, floppy disk, etc.). The latter includes pre-formed grooves or similar pre-formatted information that specifies where the selected sector will appear in the resulting media, and the sector location is used to identify the copy as an authorized copy Selected.

  Although many features and advantages of various embodiments of the invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the various embodiments of the invention, this detailed description is merely exemplary and not in detail In particular, structural problems and changes in component construction may be implemented within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the language in which the appended claims are expressed. Should be understood. For example, the particular elements may vary depending on the particular application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

  Further, although the embodiments described herein are generally directed to optical disc authentication, any number of different formats and types of optical discs, and any number of other formats and types of data storage media are claimed. It can be readily utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a read / play system used to read and play data from a data storage medium, preferably including an optical disc. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a reading / reproducing circuit of the reading / reproducing system as shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows generally the data storage aspect on a compact disc (CD). It is a figure which shows many sectors on the adjacent track on storage media, such as CD. 1 is an elevational view along a track of a medium of a recorded medium (such as a CD) to illustrate the general manner in which pits and lands are pre-recorded using an embedded internal reflective material layer. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a master production system used to generate a master disk from which duplicated and pre-recorded disks can be produced. It is a figure which shows the alternative structure of the relevant part of the control circuit of the master production system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the alternative structure of the relevant part of the control circuit of the master production system of FIG. 2 is a graph of a data rate profile established for a data storage medium according to a preferred embodiment. 9 is a graph of the motor speed profile required to read and replay data at a constant linear speed from a medium formatted according to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of selected inter-sector relationships on authorized media. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an unauthorized copy medium having an inter-sector relationship different from the inter-sector relationship of FIG. 10. To illustrate the general manner in which the internal dye layer is selectively processed to provide areas of different reflectivity to provide pit land type areas on the recorded media (such as CD-R) FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a recordable medium substantially along a track of the medium. The recordable medium of FIG. 12 along a second direction perpendicular to the view of FIG. 8, according to FIG. 9, generally illustrating the presence of a wobbling pre-formed groove used for timing tracking purposes during a recording operation FIG. It is the schematic which shows the preforming groove | channel with a rocking motion of FIG. 13 in detail. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of a master production system used to write the pre-formed grooves of FIG. 14 to a master disk. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of a recording system used to detect and decode information from a pre-formed groove with wobble motion and write data to the recordable media of FIGS. In order to predetermine the physical location of selected sectors on a pre-recorded or recordable medium as described above for authentication purposes, the steps performed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention are generally 3 is a flowchart of a medium formatting routine shown. Medium generally illustrating the steps performed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention by an application routine executed by the system of FIG. 1 to determine whether a particular media copy is an authorized copy. It is a flowchart of an authentication routine.

Claims (40)

  On a plurality of tracks so as to definitely establish a pre-defined relationship between the physical locations of the at least first and second sectors prior to recording data in at least the first and second sectors A method comprising the step of formatting a data storage medium of a type in which data is stored in an addressable sector, wherein said pre-interval between the resulting physical locations of said at least first and second sectors A method wherein the presence of a defined relationship serves to identify the data storage medium as an authorized copy.   The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined relationship of the formatting step is further selected to encode a forensic information payload on the data storage medium.   The data storage medium is characterized as a master copy, and the method further comprises generating a group of duplicate copies from the master copy, each of the duplicate copies exhibiting the pre-defined relationship. the method of.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of later recording data in the at least first and second sectors.   5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of later reading and reproducing data recorded in the first and second sectors in order to identify the presence of the predefined relationship.   The presence of the predefined relationship is determined during the step of reading and reproducing the data later by measuring the rotational speed of the data storage medium while the first and second sectors are read. The method of claim 5.   The presence of the predefined relationship is a step of reading and reproducing the data later by measuring the access time required to move the transducing head from the first sector to the second sector. The method of claim 5, determined from time to time.   6. The method of claim 5, further comprising granting access to the remaining sectors on the medium in response to identifying the presence of the predefined relationship during the step of later reading and reproducing the data.   The method of claim 1, wherein the data storage medium of the formatting step is characterized as a pre-recorded medium.   The data storage medium is characterized as a recordable medium, and the formatting step generates a frequency modulated pre-formed groove on the medium that predefines the location of sectors to be written to a duplicate copy of the medium. The method of claim 1 comprising:   The method of claim 1, wherein the data storage medium of the formatting step is characterized as an optical disc.   A data storage medium formatted according to the method of claim 1. In order to actively establish a predetermined relationship between at least the first selected sector and the second selected sector, the desired physical locations of the plurality of sectors on the data storage medium are pre-determined. Steps to decide,
Subsequently modulating a write signal to position the plurality of sectors on the data storage medium at the predetermined desired physical location, comprising:
The predetermined relationship is selected such that the presence of the predetermined relationship in a later formed copy from the data storage medium indicates that the copy is permitted, The method wherein the absence of the predetermined relationship indicates that the copy is an unauthorized copy.   The method of claim 13, wherein the data storage medium is characterized as a pre-recorded medium, and the subsequent modulating step includes writing data to the plurality of sectors.   The data storage medium is characterized as a recordable master, and the subsequent modulating step establishes the position of the plurality of sectors on a replicated recordable medium formed from the recordable master. 14. The method of claim 13, comprising generating a frequency modulated pre-formed groove on the data storage medium.   The method of claim 13, further comprising forming a group of replicated copies from the data storage medium.   Copying the sector from a selected one of the duplicated copies to another medium to form a duplicate copy, the duplicate copy comprising: 17. The method of claim 16, having a relationship between the resulting physical locations of the first and second sectors that is different from the predetermined relationship on a selected one.   The pre-determining step includes a step of constructing a reference table for designating a rotation speed of the data storage medium for each rotation of the data storage medium during the subsequent modulating step, the reference table being predetermined. The method of claim 13, wherein a number of channel bits are selected to be recorded on the data storage medium during each of the rotations.   The method of claim 13, wherein the data storage medium is characterized as an optical disc. A motor configured to rotate the data storage medium in response to the motor speed rotation signal;
A writing assembly that selectively writes data to the data storage medium during rotation of the medium in response to a write signal;
First means for generating a selected signal of at least one of the motor speed rotation signal and the write signal to write data to the data storage medium in association with a pre-generated profile; A system for formatting a data storage medium comprising:
The profile authenticates a copy created after the data storage medium as constituting an authorized copy, and prior to writing data, between at least selected data sectors on the data storage medium. A system that establishes a predetermined relationship. The first means includes
A master clock that generates a master clock signal at a first frequency;
A clock frequency dividing circuit for outputting a write clock signal for establishing a transition timing in the write signal in response to the master clock signal; and
21. The system of claim 20, comprising a programmable generator circuit that outputs the motor speed rotation signal in response to the master clock signal and the pre-generated profile.   The first means further includes: adjusting the rotational speed of the motor so that an accurate predetermined number of channel bits are written to the data storage medium during each rotation of the data storage medium. The system of claim 21, comprising a lookup table that outputs values to the programmable generator circuit in association with a pre-generated profile. The first means includes
A master clock that generates a master clock signal at a first frequency;
A programmable generator circuit responsive to the master clock signal that outputs a write clock signal to establish timing of transitions in the write signal;
Associated with the pre-generated profile to adjust the frequency of the write clock signal so that an accurate predetermined number of channel bits are written to the data storage medium during each rotation of the data storage medium. 21. The system of claim 20, further comprising: a look-up table responsive to a single revolution signal from the motor that outputs a value to the programmable generator circuit.   21. The system of claim 20, wherein the first means further configures the predetermined relationship to embed a forensic data payload in the data storage medium.   The system of claim 20, wherein the data storage medium is characterized as a pre-recorded medium.   The data storage medium is characterized as a recordable medium, and the write signal has a frequency modulated pre-formed groove on the medium that predetermines the position of the sector to be written on a replicated copy of the data storage medium. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein   21. The system of claim 20, wherein the data storage medium of the formatting step is characterized as an optical disc.   21. A data storage medium formatted by the system of claim 20.   A data storage medium comprising a plurality of addressable data sectors formed on a plurality of tracks, wherein the sectors are in a pre-selected physical location according to a profile generated prior to recording of the sectors A data storage medium that is located and the profile establishes a predetermined relationship between at least the physical locations of selected sectors to identify the data storage medium as an authorized copy.   30. The data storage medium of claim 29, further characterized as a pre-recorded medium formed as a replicated copy from a master production process.   A record having pre-formed groove information recorded on the data storage medium in association with the profile so that the sector is positioned in relation to the pre-formed groove information when data is subsequently written to the data storage medium 30. The data storage medium of claim 29, further characterized as a possible medium.   30. The data storage medium of claim 29, wherein the data storage medium is characterized as an optical disk.   The data storage medium of claim 32, wherein the optical disk is characterized as a compact disk (CD).   The data storage medium of claim 32, wherein the optical disk is characterized as a digital versatile disk (DVD).   The data storage medium of claim 32, wherein the optical disk is characterized as a pre-recorded optical disk.   The data storage medium of claim 32, wherein the optical disk is characterized as a recordable optical disk on which data can be subsequently recorded. Prior to recording data on the data storage medium, so as to establish a predetermined relationship between at least the first selected sector and the second selected sector for positioning the plurality of sectors, Predetermining a desired physical location of the plurality of sectors on the data storage medium and subsequently modulating a write signal to position the sector at the predetermined desired location on the data storage medium An application routine executed in a processor environment to read data from the data storage medium formatted by:
The application routine measures access parameters related to successive accesses of the at least first and second sectors, and the measured access parameters are present on the medium with the predetermined relationship. The presence of the medium indicates that the medium is an authorized copy, the application routine grants access to the remaining sectors on the medium and the measured access If a parameter indicates that the predetermined relationship does not exist on the media, the absence indicates that the media is an unauthorized copy, so the application routine An application routine that is configured to deny access to the remaining sectors on the media.   The access parameter measured by the application routine includes a speed of a motor used to rotate the medium, the speed being when each of the at least first and second sectors is accessed. 38. The application routine of claim 37, measured at:   38. The access parameter measured by the application routine includes an elapsed access time required to move a data conversion head from the at least first sector to the at least second sector. Application routine described in.   38. The application routine of claim 37, wherein the application routine further decodes a forensic data payload from the predetermined relationship.

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